Tom Palmer will leave Drapac Professional Cycling effective immediately, choosing to focus on his tertiary education and non-sporting career. The move comes as the 24-year-old has experienced a number of health and injury setbacks.

“Tom is our longest serving member of the team having started with us in 2007 and it is a great shame he has decided to resign,” said Drapac Professional Cycling General Manager, Jonathan Breekveldt. “However with ensuring our riders are adequately prepared for their life after cycling, it is encouraging to see he has chosen to complete and further his studies and begin his transition so we fully support his decision.

“Tom will continue to work with the team as an ambassador with one of our community programs and will always remain a part of the Drapac Professional Cycling family.”

Palmer will now complete his Bachelors Degree majoring in International Relations at the Australian National University and is also keen to develop his writing skills professionally.

“Drapac is where I grew up,” Palmer said. “I’m so grateful for the unique opportunity I had to learn and achieve in an incredible environment and with great people. Over the last few months I have realised that the time has come to step back from the professional level, and get back to basics in order to continue my growth as a person, and indeed an athlete.”

Among his palmares is the 2012 Tour of Okinawa and 2013 Tour of the Murray River.

Drapac Professional Cycling thanks Tom Palmer for his contribution to the team and wishes him all the best for the future.